These days, many college students want to enhance more than just their grades. More and more self-conscious young adults in America—including both men and women—are opting to undergo plastic surgery to fix their noses, augment their breasts, and tighten their tummies.

Since 1997, cosmetic surgical procedures have risen a whopping 119 percent, and patients between the ages of 19 to 34 accounted for almost 24 percent of the total figure, according to statistics gathered by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Plastic Surgery More Accepted

Long Island plastic surgeon Dr. Alan Gold believes the number of college-aged Americans getting plastic surgery has increased accordingly with the overall raise in cosmetic surgeries nationwide.

“Plastic surgery is becoming more openly discussed and accepted by society,” Dr. Gold said. “Prominent media outlets have brought it attention with many shows about surgery—anything from the terrible ‘Swan' to ‘Extreme Makeover.'

Ethical Issues

Many are concerned that performing surgeries on adolescents or even young adults may not be ethical because they haven't fully grown into their own yet.

However, Gold and other plastic surgeons claim that as long as a patient shows maturity and is realistic about the procedure, then it is ethical. “There are some adults that are so immature I wouldn't operate on them,” he said. “While a 15 or 16-year-old may be very mature.”

Improves Self Confidence

Many young adults who opt to undergo plastic surgery believe it has done wonders for their self-confidence and don't regret a thing.

While a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that only five percent of women between 17 and 24 have admitted to having plastic surgery, an anonymous survey found that 40 percent would definitely consider having a cosmetic procedure sometime in the near future.

Considering Plastic Surgery? Please contact us today to set up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can inform you of your options.